Candace Owens' Lies About Jews, Judaism, and Rabbi Schneerson, and Boteach's Failure to Respond

In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman reflects on a recent debate between Candace Owens, a right-wing political commentator, and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. The core focus of Brackman's discussion is Candace Owens' opening remarks during the debate, particularly her references to Judaism, Jewish teachings, and the nature of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson's views.

Brackman agrees with Owens' general point about the existence of radical fringe elements in most religions, including Judaism. However, he strongly criticizes her for equating Jewish religious beliefs with white supremacy. He calls her out for falsely accusing the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, of harboring hatred toward non-Jews as well as her misleading lack of context and nuance surrounding his teachings, which Owens quoted indirectly through Israel Shahak, a known critic of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Brackman stresses that while specific Jewish texts may speak of Jewish exceptionalism, they are not grounded in hatred of others. He contextualizes the Jewish concept of being "chosen" or exceptional as a religious belief, not a supremacist ideology like white supremacy. He points out that Owens misrepresents the teachings of Judaism by ignoring fundamental laws that emphasize kindness to non-Jews, particularly the obligation to treat "the stranger" with respect.

Furthermore, Brackman rebuts Owens' use of Israel Shahak as a source, citing Shahak's false claims in 1965 about Orthodox Jews' refusal to help save non-Jews on the Sabbath. He demonstrates that Shahak's story is a fabrication and defends Jewish law, which mandates the saving of all lives, Jewish or non-Jewish.

Brackman finds Owens' arguments misleading and based on historical distortions. He concludes that her remarks reflect deep-rooted prejudice, not a genuine critique, and expresses disappointment that Rabbi Shmuley Boteach did not adequately challenge her statements during the debate.